$500 Million Diamondbacks Stadium Bill Passes House, Awaits Governor Hobbs’ Approval

The Arizona House of Representatives has approved a significant $500 million allocation for the Diamondbacks to enhance Chase Field. This decision, reached on Monday, signals a crucial step in a long-standing debate about the stadium’s future.

Chase Field, inaugurated in 1998, has faced mounting concerns over maintenance and upgrades. Recent negotiations between the team and local authorities have intensified as both parties sought clarity on funding responsibilities. House Bill 2704, which recently passed the Senate, directs sales tax revenue from the stadium over the next three decades towards its renovation.

Earlier this year, the bill encountered resistance in the Senate, but amendments were negotiated to gain broader support, including from the City of Phoenix, which had originally expressed opposition.

Key amendments include a cap on Phoenix’s financial contribution to $3.5 million and a non-binding suggestion for the Diamondbacks to contribute $250 million toward the project. Although the legislative body lacks enforcement mechanisms, they included provisions to repeal funding if the team fails to meet its obligations.

Rep. Mariana Sandoval, D-Goodyear, expressed her reservations, stating, “This is a really hard bill for me, because it is giving the Dbacks $20 million a year in tax dollars both state and county over a 30-year period.” Yet, she ultimately supported the bill, noting that union contracts secured jobs linked to the funding.

Supporters argue that the funding is essential for the Diamondbacks to remain in Arizona, while critics highlight concerns over public money being funneled to a wealthy team owner. Ken Kendrick, the Diamondbacks’ owner, boasts a net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes.

Rep. Aaron Márquez, D-Phoenix, acknowledged constituent concerns but emphasized that the amendments provide necessary safeguards, asserting that the project would generate “good paying jobs for Arizonans.”

The House passed the bill with a vote of 35-20, showcasing a split in traditional party lines, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing support and opposition. The proposed legislation will now advance to Governor Katie Hobbs for review.